USS Howard (DDG 83), forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, as part of the U.S. Seventh Fleet, arrived at Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan on February 7, 2025, for a scheduled port visit.

Howard, commanded by Cmdr. Eric Smitley, is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer; it is approximately 155 meters in length, displacing approximately 8,900 tons, and has a crew size of more than 300.

While in Otaru, the crew is looking forward to meeting the citizens and opportunities for sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying the local cuisine and cultural attractions; and learning more about the scenic and historic area of Hokkaido Japan.